Everything you need to know about Discord formatting

I. Introduction to Discord Formatting

A. Brief Description of Discord

Discord is a free application designed for video gaming communities but it's much more than that now. It's a hub for chatting, sharing content, and staying in touch with friends or communities. It offers voice, video and text communication channels, along with a host of features that make it a popular choice among millions of users worldwide.

B. Importance of Formatting in Discord

Formatting text in Discord can make your messages clearer, more impactful, and fun. Whether you're making an announcement, emphasizing a point, or just want to express yourself creatively, mastering Discord's formatting options can help you communicate more effectively. Plus, it's super easy to learn, and before you know it, you'll be adding bold, italics, and more to your Discord chats with ease.

II. Basic Text Formatting on Discord

A. Bold Text

1. Explanation of Bold Text

Using bold text in your Discord messages is a great way to emphasize key points or make certain words stand out.

2. How to Bold Text on Discord

To make text bold on Discord, place two asterisks (**) on either side of your text. Like this: **bold text**.

B. Italics

1. Explanation of Italics

Italicizing text can add emphasis subtly and is often used for quotes, thoughts, or to highlight a particular part of a text.

2. How to Italicize Text on Discord

To italicize text on Discord, simply put a single asterisk (*) or underscore (_) on either side of your text. Like this: *italic text* or _italic text_.

C. Underline Text

1. Explanation of Underline Text

Underlining can be used to highlight important information, titles, or to signify a hyperlink.

2. How to Underline Text on Discord

To underline text on  Discord, use two underscores (__) on either side of your text. Like this: __underline text__.

D. Strikethrough Text

1. Explanation of Strikethrough

A strikethrough can be used to indicate an error, revision, or to create a visual effect for a joke or emphasis.

2. How to Strikethrough Text on Discord

To strikethrough text on Discord, use two tildes (~~) on either side of your text. Like this: ~~strikethrough text~~.

E. Combining Formatting Styles

1. Explanation of Combining Styles

You can mix and match these styles for added effect. For example, you might want to bold and italicize text for extra emphasis.

2. How to Combine Text Formatting Styles on Discord

To combine text formatting styles on  Discord, you simply stack the formatting symbols. For example, ***bold and italic text*** or __**bold and underline text**__.

III. Advanced Text Formatting on Discord

A. Code Blocks

1. Explanation of Code Blocks

Code blocks allow you to share code snippets with fixed-width font and syntax highlighting, making it clear and readable for others.

2. How to Create Code Blocks on Discord

To create a code block, use three backticks (```) on a new line before and after your code. For syntax highlighting, type the language name directly after the opening backticks. Like this: ```javascript code```.

B. Block Quotes

1. Explanation of Block Quotes

Block quotes let you highlight text as a separate block, ideal for quotations or to set apart significant information.

2. How to Create Block Quotes on Discord

To create a block quote, use a greater than symbol (>) before your text. For multiline block quotes, use three greater than symbols (>>>). Like this: >quote or >>>multiline quote.

C. Hyperlinks

1. Explanation of Hyperlinks

Hyperlinks allow you to share clickable links that redirect to a website or a resource.

2. How to Create Hyperlinks on Discord

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Discord doesn't natively support text hyperlinking. To share a link, just paste the URL into your message.

D. Spoiler Tags

1. Explanation of Spoiler Tags

Spoiler tags let you hide text or images that others may not want to see immediately, such as plot spoilers.

2. How to Create Spoiler Tags on Discord

To create a spoiler tag, use two vertical bars (||) on either side of your text. Like this: ||spoiler text||.

E. Highlight Text

1. Explanation of Highlighted Text

Highlighting text can help draw attention to critical information. This is achieved through the use of code blocks in Discord.

2. How to Highlight Text on Discord

To highlight text, use a single backtick (`) on either side of your text. Like this: `highlight text`.

IV. Emoji and Emote Formatting on Discord

A. Explanation of Emojis and Emotes on Discord

Emojis and emotes are small digital images or icons used to express ideas, emotions, or actions on Discord. Emotes are server-specific and can be custom-made for a unique touch to your server's conversations.

B. How to Use Emojis and Emotes on Discord

Using emojis on Discord is as simple as clicking on the smiley face in the text box, which brings up an emoji picker. For emotes, they can be selected in a similar way, but only from within the server they were uploaded to. Also, typing ':' followed by the emoji name can bring up the emoji or emote you're looking for.

C. How to Add Custom Emojis and Emotes to a Discord Server

Server owners and those with manage emoji permissions can upload custom emojis to a server. To do this, go to Server Settings, then Emoji, and click the 'Upload Emoji' button. Just remember, custom emojis have a maximum file size of 256KB and must be at least 2 characters long.

V. Voice & Video Call Formatting

A. Explanation of Voice & Video Call Options on Discord

Discord isn't just for text chat. You can also use it for voice and video calls, either in direct messages or on servers. This includes options like screen sharing, video camera settings, voice activity or push-to-talk options, and more.

B. How to Adjust Voice & Video Call Settings

Adjusting your voice and video settings can help you get the most out of your calls on Discord. Navigate to 'User Settings', then click 'Voice & Video' under the 'App Settings' section. Here, you can modify input and output devices, volume settings, video settings, and more. Experiment with these options to achieve the best call quality for your needs.

VI. Formatting Usernames and Server Names

A. Explanation of Usernames and Server Names on Discord

Your username on Discord identifies you across the platform, while server names help differentiate between the different communities you belong to. Having a unique and expressive username or server name can make your presence on Discord more engaging.

B. How to Change Your Username on Discord

Changing your username on Discord is simple. Click the 'User Settings' gear icon at the bottom of the server list, then under 'My Account', click 'Edit'. Here, you can enter a new username and save your changes.

C. How to Change Your Server Name on Discord

If you're a server owner or have the necessary permissions, you can change a server's name. Go to the server you want to rename, click the dropdown arrow next to the server name, select 'Server Settings', and under 'Server Overview', click 'Change' next to the server's name. Enter the new name, save your changes, and voila - your server has a fresh new name!

VII. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Formatting on Discord

While Discord formatting can enhance your messages and make them more visually appealing, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid to ensure your formatting looks clean and professional:

1. Overusing Formatting

Using too much formatting can be overwhelming and make your message difficult to read. Use formatting sparingly and only when it adds value to your message.

2. Inconsistent Formatting

Consistency is key when formatting on Discord. Ensure that you use the same formatting style throughout your message to maintain a cohesive appearance.

3. Improper Nesting of Formatting

When combining formatting styles, make sure you properly nest the formatting symbols. Incorrectly nested symbols can result in unintended formatting or errors in your message.

4. Ignoring Readability

Keep in mind that readability is crucial. Avoid using fonts or text sizes that are too small or difficult to read. Choose formatting options that enhance clarity rather than hinder it.

5. Neglecting Mobile Users

Remember that many Discord users access the platform through mobile devices. Test your formatting on different devices to ensure it remains legible and visually appealing across various screen sizes.

By avoiding these common formatting mistakes, you can ensure that your messages on Discord are well-presented, easy to read, and visually appealing.

VIII. Conclusion

A. Recap of What's Been Covered

In this guide, we've explored various aspects of Discord formatting, from basic text formatting options like bold, italics, underline, and strikethrough, to advanced formatting features such as code blocks, block quotes, hyperlinks, spoiler tags, and highlighted text. We've also discussed emoji and emote usage, voice and video call formatting, and formatting usernames and server names.

B. Encourage Experimentation with Discord Formatting

Now that you have a solid understanding of Discord formatting, it's time to unleash your creativity and experiment with different formatting styles. Use formatting to make your messages more engaging, expressive, and visually appealing. Remember to keep the guidelines in mind, such as using formatting sparingly, maintaining consistency, and prioritizing readability. Don't be afraid to try new combinations and techniques to make your messages stand out!

By mastering Discord formatting, you can elevate your communication on the platform, whether you're part of a gaming community, a professional server, or just chatting with friends. So go ahead, have fun, and make your Discord messages truly shine!

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